Indigenous Support Worker

New Westminster Schools Career Opportunity Indigenous Support Worker

**About New Westminster Schools**

Serving the community of New Westminster, the New Westminster School District provides high quality educational programs to over 7,000 students in a variety of learning environments. New Westminster is in the center of Metro Vancouver between the larger communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Richmond. Despite its location the city is relatively small and has retained a strong sense of history and community. The total population is approximately 82,000 and expected to grow to 104,000 by 2041. District schools are in general, fully subscribed, and a steady increase in student enrolment is expected over the next ten years.

New Westminster School District has a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and needs. Together, we are a caring, inclusive, and committed learning community dedicated to supporting each of our unique learners.

**Typical functions of this position include but are not limited to**:

- Reports directly to the Principal at assigned schools
- Responsible to the Associate Superintednet of Schools, or designate
- Provides support to the District Indigenous Education Program to successfully meet the needs of students in the classroom and specifically to the programs at assigned schools
- Provide academic, social and cultural support to Indigenous students
- Assist and direct in the delivery of educational support services to Indigenous students
- Organize and facilitate parent meetings
- Educate students regarding Indigenous culture, history and traditions
- Organize and facilitate culturally relevant experiences for students both in the school and in the community
- Promote and/or facilitate involvement of Indigneous students in school and community based recreational and sports activities; may involve transporting students to District and/or out of District events
- Facilitate parental involvement in school and community functions
- Provide documentation of parent consultations and maintain student records related to student progress including academic, attendance and tracking forms
- Advocate for Indigenous students and their families
- Provide outreach services including home visits and other needs as required
- Participate in School Based Team meetings, planning meetings and other ad hoc meetings as required
- Liaise among parents, teachers, administrators and community agencies (e.g. Ministry of Children & Family Development, Indian Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal Leadership Paragon Society, and Band Contacts)
- Willingness to participate in related in-service and assist in presenting in-service to other staff
- Other related duties as assigned

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Completion of Grade 12
- Completion of a two-year diploma program in Indigenous studies, a Child & Youth Care program, or equivalent, from a post secondary institution recognize by the District
- Minimum of 3 years recent related experience and/or training in working within the K - 12 public school system with Indigenous students and their parents
- Understanding of Indigneous cultural traditions, protocols, history and contemporary issues
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, parents and community resources as an integral part of a school based team
- Proven ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing
- Demonstrated expertise to facilitate class presentations on Indigenous history and culture, with the ability to explain information and instructions to others
- Ability to use a computer and standard classroom and office equipment
- Intermediate level skill with computer programs, including Microsoft Office
- Indigenous ancestry would be an asset

**Additional Information**:
- 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, while school is in session
- $34.54 per hour

**Application Process**:
The successful applicant will be required to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.

Learn more about New Westminster Schools at or.